Experts call for concerted efforts to save species

Protecting wild birds will require the consolidated efforts of wildlife authorities, bird enthusiasts and the public, plus a comprehensive review of the environmental situation inside and outside nature reserves, wildlife experts said.

"After several years of wildlife monitoring and evaluation at the administration, I realized that solo efforts by a local institution were unlikely to have a major impact on conservation," said Lei Gang, head of the Freshwater Program at the World Wildlife Fund China.

Lei led the research department of the East Dongting Lake National Nature Reserve Administration in Hunan province until 2002.